Strait Talk
754 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratingsFrom the border city of Hatay, Strait Talk brings special coverage of Turkey's anticipated military intervention in Syria's Idlib province.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Turkiye and El Salvador Strengthening Relations
January 26, 2022 16:39 - 12 minutes VideoDespite being a world apart, Latin America and Turkiye are looking to deepen their connections. And that was on full display during the first visit by a Salvadoran president to Ankara. After signing a series of trade and security deals, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described President Nayib Bukele's two-day visit as a turning point in the two countries' relations. What opportunities could there be for Turkiye and Latin America to boost ties? Guests: Mehmet Necati Kutlu Director of Centre ...
Houthi Rebels Target Heart of the Gulf
January 21, 2022 17:31 - 11 minutes VideoIranian-backed Houthi rebels hit the capital of the United Arab Emirates with missiles and drones on Monday. The strikes caused several casualties, prompting the US, UN and regional countries to all condemn the attacks. The UAE warned the acts will not go unpunished. Will the US re-designate the Houthis as a terrorist group? How that would affect the humanitarian crisis in Yemen? And is the Gulf region set to see more tensions? Guests: Ahmet Keser Associate Professor at Hasan Kalyoncu Unive...
How Can Turkey and Serbia Work Together to De-escalate Tensions in the Balkans?
January 21, 2022 17:23 - 12 minutes VideoTurkish President Erdogan and his Serbian counterpart Vucic met in Ankara on Tuesday. After signing multiple agreements covering education, trade and tourism, the two leaders stressed the need to de-escalate tensions in Bosnia-Herzegovina. As Vucic underlined his country's respect for Bosnia's integrity and he also supported Erdogan's call to bring its multi-ethnic leaders together towards a solution. Turkiye is playing a mediating role in Bosnia, as it shares close relations with the country...
Is the EastMed Gas Pipeline Project a Failure?
January 18, 2022 15:05 - 12 minutes VideoThe US signalled that it will not back the EastMed pipeline which planned to carry 10 billion cubic meters of gas every year from the eastern Mediterranean to Europe. The project was expected to be touted as an alternative to Russian natural gas and bypass Turkiye and the TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus). As Turkish President Recep Tayyip echoed those remarks, he added that transporting gas from the eastern Mediterranean to Europe can't be done without Turkiye. Was the project more...
Are Turkiye and Armenia at a Turning Point in Restoring Relations?
January 18, 2022 15:02 - 11 minutes VideoAfter more than a decade since their last meeting, Turkiye and Armenia held their first round of talks in Moscow. Although no breakthroughs were achieved, both sides agreed to hold future negotiations without any pre-conditions. Is it a new beginning for the two countries? And with a new security environment in the southern Caucuses, have Turkiye and Armenia finally found the conditions to end decades of mistrust? Will relations be normalised in the near future? Guests: Vehbi Baysan Politic...
Why is Ankara Joining the Metaverse?
January 18, 2022 10:49 - 10 minutes VideoLast week, the mayor of Ankara announced plans to take part in a test programme that will enable users to virtually visit the capital city of Turkiye. As major tech leaders are calling the metaverse the future of the internet, Ankara is looking to seize the opportunity. So, how will the metaverse actually change the world's digital experience? Guests: Ali Hantal CEO of XR Masters Dicle Yurdakul Managing Partner at WEQ Consulting
How Will the Metaverse Change Our Digital Experience?
January 14, 2022 14:53 - 2 minutes VideoTech leaders from Facebook and Microsoft are calling the metaverse the future of the internet. The platform will be a virtual world that exists entirely online. But as with any new technology, there are concerns. It's unclear how data privacy will be protected and cyberbullying can be prevented in the metaverse. Strait Talk's Hadya Al Alawi explains.
Are Russia and NATO Headed on a Collision Course Over Ukraine?
January 14, 2022 14:46 - 10 minutes VideoTensions between Ukraine and Russia are raising fears of a wider conflict. For weeks, a massive Russian troop build up along its border with Ukraine has alarmed NATO. Though Russia says it has no intentions to invade Ukraine, the US is threatening Moscow with severe consequences for any military action. Recently, a series of talks held between western powers and Russia saw no breakthroughs. So, are NATO and Russia be headed on a collision course? Guests: Glenn Diesen Professor at Universit...
Five Months On: Is the Taliban Keeping Its Promises?
January 11, 2022 17:42 - 10 minutes VideoIt's been five months since the collapse of the Ashraf Ghani-led government in Afghanistan and the subsequent takeover of the Taliban. The group made several promises that it has learned from its previous rule. But many in the international community are questioning if the Taliban is sincere. After the dissolution of the country's election commission, is there any hope left to have a free and fair election in Afghanistan? Guests: Huseyin Avni Botsali Former OIC Envoy to Afghanistan Omar Sa...
Will the Middle East Get Caught Up in US-China Tensions?
January 11, 2022 15:37 - 13 minutes VideoAs the United States reduces its footprint in the Middle East to focus more on the Asia Pacific, China is boosting its ties with energy rich Gulf states. And that’s put many Arab countries in a tight spot, having to choose between their long-time ally the US, and its growing trade ties with the world’s second biggest economy. That co-operation was seen as the foreign ministers from several Arab states were in Beijing to discuss trade deals. And China's interests in the region go beyond its en...
What's Behind the Civil Discontent in Kazakhstan?
January 07, 2022 14:39 - 15 minutes VideoViolent protests in Kazakhstan have rocked the nation and forced its government to resign. Failed attempts by the country's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to calm tensions have resulted in Russia deploying troops to restore order on the streets. So, what's behind the civil unrest in Kazakhstan? And how might the deepening crisis impact the wider region? Guests: Theresa Fallon Director of the Centre for Russia Europe Asia Studies Jennifer Murtazashvili Associate Professor at the Universi...
What Will It Take for Europe to Address Islamophobia?
January 07, 2022 14:30 - 9 minutes VideoA new report has revealed that prejudice against Muslims in Europe is on the rise. The 2020 European Islamophobia Report focussed on key fields such as employment, education, media, and politics. It found that while instances of in-person Islamophobic attacks fell due to COVID lockdowns, they drastically increased online, particularly on social media platforms. So, what will it take for the continent to address the growing hate against Muslims, once and for all? Guests: Farid Hafez Co-Auth...
Military Aggression on Europe's Eastern Front
January 04, 2022 15:33 - 13 minutes VideoWashington and NATO are on high alert following the buildup of Russian troops on Europe's eastern front. During a phone call between the US and Russian leaders, Joe Biden threatened Moscow with sanctions should it make any military advances towards Ukraine, while Vladimir Putin stuck to his guns, refusing to back down unless NATO signed a written guarantee that Kyiv will never join its ranks. So will the two sides reach a compromise at the upcoming Kremlin-NATO security talks? And what's at s...
Remarkable Growth on Renewable Energy Production in Turkiye
January 04, 2022 15:24 - 11 minutes VideoWith climate change concerns on the rise, Turkiye has taken drastic steps towards diversifying its energy resources. So much so, that over half of the country's electricity is now generated through renewable energy. Looking ahead, what obstacles might the industrialised nation face in its drive to go green?
Turkiye and Armenia Move Towards Mending Regional Relations
December 28, 2021 14:50 - 13 minutes VideoFollowing more than a century of fragile relations, Turkiye and Armenia seem eager to move past their differences. Earlier this month the two countries appointed special envoys and resumed flight operations between Istanbul and Yerevan. Ankara's readiness to improve ties with its neighbours is the South Caucasus as well as the recent implementation of the 3+3 South Caucasus Cooperation Platform have been regarded as vital steps towards establishing renewed peace and security in the region. Bu...
Where's Libya Headed?
December 28, 2021 14:47 - 11 minutes VideoThe failure of Libya's parliamentary committee to set a new date for the country's election has dimmed hopes of a fresh start for the war-stricken country. The postponement of the vote was due to opposing internal views over everything from the legal basis of the election to the controversial list of candidates running for presidency. In the meanwhile, the country's parliamentary committee has demanded a reshuffling of the interim government in Tripoli until a new roadmap for elections can be...
Turkiye and the Arab World Move Towards Mending Ties
December 24, 2021 15:50 - 25 minutes VideoThis past year, Turkiye and its former Gulf rivals have gradually moved towards improving relations. The first such step was witnessed during a visit by the United Arab Emirates' de-facto ruler, Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to Ankara last month. But there have also been significant efforts to normalise ties between Turkiye and other regional powers, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt. So, what brought about this change of heart? And how might it impact the region? Guests: ...
What’s Behind the Major Hike in Weapons Sales?
December 21, 2021 14:59 - 11 minutes VideoNot even a global pandemic or the consequent economic collapse could put a brake on global weapons expenditure. In fact, a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute suggests that government spending on military hardware actually increased during the pandemic. Arms sales hit a record $531 billion in 2020 – that's a 1.3 percent rise compared to the previous year. So what triggered the major hike in sales? And is it money well spent during a global pandemic? Guests: Elisab...
Turkiye-Africa Partnership Summit: What’s in It for Ankara and Its African Partners?
December 21, 2021 14:56 - 13 minutes VideoThe third Turkiye-Africa summit took place in Istanbul and was described as an “Enhanced Partnership for Common Development and Prosperity”. Its objectives were to enhance co-operation and focus on three key areas between the participating parties: Peace and security; human-focused development; and strong sustainable growth. The summit concluded with the adoption of a joint declaration. But can Turkiye and its partners in Africa follow through on the commitments made? Guests: Federico Donel...
Erdogan, African Leaders Agree on a Future of Mutual Prosperity
December 21, 2021 14:23 - 2 minutes VideoThe third Turkiye-Africa Summit wrapped up in Istanbul last week. It was aimed at boosting co-operation between Ankara and its African partners in areas ranging from security, to health, agriculture and education. Strait Talk's Hadya Al Alawi reports.
Can Ankara and Washington Mend Ties?
December 17, 2021 14:23 - 26 minutes Video2021 has been a turbulent year for Turkiye-US relations. Ankara's purchase of the Russian-made S400 missile defence system and Washington's continued support for YPG/PKK terrorists in Syria remain at the heart of fraught relations between the two NATO allies. And even as Biden and Erdogan agreed to patch things up at the G20 summit in Rome, major points of contention remain unresolved. So what will it take to restore trust between Ankara and Washington? Guests: Rich Outzen Former US Dipl...
Turkiye and the US Remain at Odds Over a Host of Issues
December 17, 2021 14:17 - 3 minutes VideoFollowing a year of continued tensions between Ankara and Washington over everything from defence equipment, to geopolitics and terrorism, are both sides equally committed to mending relations? And what's at stake if they don't? Strait Talk's Hadya Al Alawi reports.
Middle East Suffers Through Worst Drought in Decades
December 14, 2021 14:49 - 13 minutes VideoAt least four billion people globally are facing severe water scarcity for at least one month each year, according to UNICEF. The Middle East is a reflection of this wider global problem. Reduced rainfall, extreme temperatures and water mismanagement have all taken their toll on local water resources, adding to regional political tensions. So, what's the culprit? And can the damage still be undone? Guests: Karim Elgendy Founder of Carboun Nik Kowsar Environmental Analyst
The Most Severe Dry Spell in the Middle East in 900 Years
December 14, 2021 14:46 - 2 minutes VideoThe Middle East is experiencing its most severe dry spell in 900 years. But it's the mismanagement and conflict over shared water resources that's further fuelling the crisis, leaving a devastating effect on regional livelihoods and food security. Strait Talk's Hadya Al Alawi reports.
Ankara Sets Ambitious Technology Goals for 2023
December 14, 2021 14:41 - 10 minutes VideoTo mark the centenary of the founding of the Turkish Republic in 2023, Ankara has set itself ambitious digital innovation goals. Its so-called Vision 2023 includes everything from the creation of zero-waste cities to joining the global space race in under two years. But while Turkish tech startups like the popular messaging app BiP have hit global markets by storm, the country's cybersecurity laws have proved less popular among industry players like media giants Facebook, Google, and Twitter....
Turkey and Qatar Move to Expand Relations in Different Areas
December 10, 2021 16:39 - 2 minutes VideoPresident Erdogan's two-day visit to Doha has yielded numerous deals between Turkey and Qatar. The signing of dozens of bilateral accords in different areas is a testament to a growing partnership between the two regional powers. Strait Talk's Hadya Al Alawi reports.
Turkey, Qatar Strengthen Co-operation With 15 New Agreements
December 10, 2021 16:32 - 13 minutes VideoTurkey and Qatar have signed dozens of bilateral agreements, boosting trade and investment between the two countries in areas ranging from development and health to media, diplomacy and disaster management. What types of benefits will these deals bring? Guests: Mithat Rende Former Turkish Ambassador to Qatar Farhan Mujahid Chak Associate Professor at Qatar University
Turkey's New Economic Model
December 10, 2021 16:03 - 10 minutes VideoFor two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the global economy in ways not seen in since the great depression. Supply chains have been upended, lockdowns and travel restrictions have bankrupted once prosperous industries. And now with a lingering global energy crunch, the costs for everyday goods have skyrocketed. Turkey has been especially hard hit with rising prices. Speaking on the lira's volatile swings and high inflation, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged households to...
Can Turkey and Iran Work Together to Tackle Regional Challenges?
December 07, 2021 17:56 - 11 minutes VideoDating back centuries, relations between Turkey and Iran have seen their ups and downs. But a recent meeting between Turkish President Erdogan and his Iranian counterpart Raisi in Turkmenistan's capital Ashgabat, may have provided a platform for the two leaders to discuss several regional challenges, from security to an influx of migrants. So, can the two neighbours co-operate to take on the challenges together? Or could spoilers could get in the way? Guests: Talha Kose Brussels Coordinator...
The Socioeconomic Costs of the Pandemic
December 07, 2021 17:54 - 13 minutes VideoTwo years after the first case of COVID-19 was discovered, the world is still gripped by the pandemic. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have released a new report highlighting the impact the pandemic has had on inequality and mental health around the world. But how dramatic has the cost been and which groups have suffered most? Guest: Francesco Rocca President of IFRC
COVID-19's Disproportionate Effect on Vulnerable Groups
December 07, 2021 16:50 - 2 minutes VideoTwo years since the first case of COVID-19 was detected in China, there have been more than five million deaths around the world. A recent report by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies found that the pandemic has had more of an impact on some groups than others. Strait Talk's Hadya Al Alawi reports.
Can the World Contain the New Omicron Variant?
December 03, 2021 16:53 - 15 minutes VideoIt's been two years since the emergence of COVID-19 and the world is still struggling to contain it. And now scientists in South Africa have identified a new variant called Omicron. Many suspect it could outcompete the Delta variant which was the dominant strain this year . The moment new strain was announced, countries started imposing travel restrictions on several southern African countries. So, how dangerous is the Omicron variant? And has the global response been effective or just an ove...
Does Turkey Need an Aircraft Carrier?
December 03, 2021 16:28 - 9 minutes VideoTurkey's defence industry is building an aircraft carrier-like naval assault ship, that will be capable of fielding attack helicopters and combat drones. The TCG Anadolu assault ship is part of Turkey's naval ambitions for the future, given the country has been seeing heightened tensions close to its shores, such as in the Black Sea, the Aegean and the eastern Mediterranean. So, what role will an assault ship like the TCG Anadolu play in safeguarding Turkey's waters? Guests: Arda Mevlutoglu...
Russian Troop Build-up on Ukraine's Border Alarms US, Europe
November 30, 2021 15:34 - 13 minutes VideoThe United States and Europe are concerned about Russia's troop build-up along its border with Ukraine. While Moscow has dismissed the West's concerns calling them alarmist, NATO's Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has warned any use of force by Russia against Ukraine will have a cost. With heightened tensions in the region, Turkey's President Erdogan has offered to play a mediating role to help ease the situation. Guests: Glenn Diesen Professor at University of South-Eastern Norway Peter...
Can Iran and World Powers Agree on Reviving the 2015 Nuclear Deal?
November 30, 2021 15:17 - 11 minutes VideoSix world powers are sitting down with Iran in Vienna in hopes of salvaging a nuclear deal first agreed upon in 2015, but was later scrapped by former US President Donald Trump in 2018. After a five-month break, Iran has a new hardline government that wants to add more to the agreement. But the country's continued enrichment and stockpiling of uranium has been a cause of concern for Israel and the US. Can Washington and Tehran reach a lasting agreement? Guests: Abdel Bari Atwan Editor-in-ch...
Israel Under Fire for Mass Surveillance of Palestinians
November 26, 2021 15:16 - 12 minutes VideoThe Israeli military has come under increased criticism for abusing facial recognition technology. The country’s security forces have been accused of mass surveillance of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. The revelation came to the fore after former Israeli soldiers exposed how Israel maintains a large database of Palestinians for the purpose of tracking and monitoring. Guest: Asa Winstanley Journalist and Political Analyst
Turkey to Assist Qatar Police During 2022 World Cup
November 26, 2021 15:07 - 11 minutes VideoIn less than a year, Qatar will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. But a country of just three million and with stadiums only a few kilometers apart from each other, the challenges of ensuring a smooth execution are many, such as the security of fans, athletes and workers. To help the tiny gulf state, Turkey will send a police contingent to help with security arrangements. Turkey’s offer is the latest sign of the deep co-operation between the two countries. Guests: Murat Yesiltas Director of For...
Israel Exposed for Creating Vast Database of Palestinians
November 26, 2021 14:52 - 2 minutes VideoFormer Israeli soldiers exposed the scope of Israel’s mass surveillance of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. Strait Talk’s Hadya Al Alawi reports on the country’s growing surveillance industry.
A New Beginning for Turkey and UAE
November 23, 2021 14:52 - 2 minutes VideoTurkey and UAE were at odds over a series of issues. Now, the leaders of the two countries want to change that and are set to meet in Ankara. Trade and economic co-operation could be the opening they were waiting for. Strait Talk's Hadya Al Alawi has more.
Leaders of Turkey, UAE To Meet For First Time in Nearly a Decade
November 23, 2021 13:39 - 25 minutes VideoTurkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohamed bin Zayed are set to meet for the first time in almost a decade. The last time they met, the Middle East and North Africa were different places. Even last year, tensions were at their worst, but now relations are improving. Could trade and investments be the opening for Turkey and the UAE to aside their past differences? Guests: Cinzia Bianco Research Fellow at European Council on Foreign Relations Giorgio Caf...
Migrant Crisis on Poland-Belarus Border Shows No Signs of Easing
November 19, 2021 17:27 - 14 minutes VideoThe migrant crisis on the border of Poland and Belarus is showing no signs of easing, where thousands of asylum seekers are trapped. Facing harsh weather conditions and border police, every day is becoming a struggle. Tensions have been simmering for weeks but the standoff has now turned into a political crisis with Polish and Belarusian officials refusing to take a step back. Guests: Basak Yavcan Migration Policy Researcher at the Hugo Observatory Philippe Dam HRW Advocacy Director for Eu...
Turkey's Foreign Ministry Says Massacre of Tripolitsa Cannot be Forgotten
November 19, 2021 16:47 - 10 minutes Video200 years ago in 1821, thousands of Turks and Ottoman Jews were massacred at Tripolitsa – situated along modern day Greece's southern coast – as Greek militias fought the Ottoman Empire for independence. By the time the attacks ceased, the total Turkish and Jewish population in the region was exterminated. The memory of the massacre has left deep wounds. On the 200th anniversary of the massacre, Turkey's foreign ministry has said that such atrocities can never be forgotten. After two centurie...
Disputes Over Electoral Laws Overshadow Libya’s Upcoming Presidential Vote
November 16, 2021 17:29 - 12 minutes VideoLibyans are gearing up to go to the polls in their first direct presidential election next month. Since the ousting of longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has been in a state of war, instability, and chaos with rival factions fighting each other and vying for power. There have been attempts to unite the country and last year a ceasefire was reached between the warring groups. As a result, an interim government was formed to lead the country to its upcoming presidential election. But...
Turkic States Agree on Expanding Co-operation During Istanbul Summit
November 16, 2021 16:59 - 12 minutes VideoThe 8th summit of the Turkic Council, an intergovernmental organisation aimed at promoting co-operation among Turkic speaking states, has been held in Istanbul. During the meeting, the name of the organisation was officially changed to the Organisation of Turkic States. A joint declaration was also announced to expand the group’s area of co-operation which will include climate change, terrorism and Islamophobia. Guests: Cengiz Tomar Rector at Ahmet Yesevi University Ahmet Sahidov Political...
Turkic Speaking States Chalk Out Priorities for Future
November 16, 2021 15:19 - 2 minutes VideoA growing co-operation of like-minded countries, the Turkic council - now called the Organization of Turkic States - met in Istanbul for a summit last week and chalked out its future political, security and economic priorities. With issues such as terrorism and the climate crisis on the rise, the summit is a step towards consolidating a unilateral approach for Turkic countries. Hadya Al Alawi reports.
Can Turkey Become a Major Transport Hub Between the Asia Pacific and Europe?
November 12, 2021 15:58 - 13 minutes VideoWith the pandemic disrupting global supply chains and increasing shipping costs, Turkey is sensing growing opportunities to step in. Turkey and Azerbaijan's co-operation in establishing transport links by building railways and airports is poised to provide a direct trade connection between Asia and Europe, in effect helping Turkey become one the world's major trade hubs. Guests: Murat Karatekin CEO of Pasifik Eurasia Natig Jafarov Director of ADY Container
Can Turkey Play a Mediating Role in Bosnia's Political Crisis?
November 12, 2021 15:54 - 11 minutes VideoA growing political crisis in Bosnia is threatening to roll back the 1995 Dayton Accords. Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik's thereat to separate from the national army, tax authority and judiciary, is raising fears that it could spark the type of ethnic clashes seen during the 90s. On Tuesday, Dodik met President Erdogan in Ankara in a bid to defuse tensions. So, can Turkey play a mediating role to help resolve the crisis? Guests: Vedran Dzihic Centre for Advanced Studies Southeast Europe ...
Turkey Eyes Becoming Eurasia's Transport Hub
November 12, 2021 15:29 - 2 minutes VideoSince the last decade, Turkey has doubled its investments in improving its railway infrastructure, with an aim to connect industrial production zones to all commercial areas in the country. A developed railway industry could help Turkey become one of the world’s major logistics centres. Strait Talk's Ludovica Brignola reports.
Could the Arctic Provide Solutions to the Global Energy Shortfall?
November 09, 2021 14:49 - 12 minutes VideoThe Arctic is changing fast due to the effects of climate change. But it's also said to possess solutions to tackle the global energy shortfall. Now that the region is opening up, so is the competition to tap its resources. How will the region’s opening up affect the global demand for energy? Or will it become the battlefield for another great game involving today's great powers? Guests: Mehmet Ali Ugur Assistant Professor at Yalova University Thomas O'Donnell Lecturer at Hertie School of ...
Will Ukraine's Use of Turkish Drones Affect Relations Between Russia and Turkey?
November 09, 2021 14:45 - 13 minutes VideoThe Kremlin has criticised the deployment of Turkish-produced drones in eastern Ukraine, saying it would destabilise the region. Last month, Ukraine released a footage where a Turkish drone was used for the first time against separatists backed by Russia. In response to Moscow's statement, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that Turkey cannot be blamed for the UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) it sells to other countries and for how they are used. Turkey is seeing an increase in dem...